Austria are back on the biggest stage — and they won the opener. In their first World Cup match since 1998, the ÖFB side beat debutants Jordan 3-1. It wasn't pretty, but it's three points.
As of 17 June 2026
How the match unfolded
Romano Schmid put Austria ahead midway through the first half with a stunning long-range strike. But early in the second half Ali Olwan made history: his equaliser for 1-1 was Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal — fittingly, the striker we flagged as the biggest threat in our opponent analysis.
Austria's response was fortunate: a corner from the left aimed at Marko Arnautović missed its target and went in off Yazan Al-Arab as an own goal — 2-1. After that came exactly what Rangnick had warned about at the press conference: Jordan sat deep, let Austria come on, and waited to counter with long balls. Austria had more of the ball but found few clear answers against the compact block — the opener became a test of patience.
The decision only arrived deep in stoppage time: in the 90+12, the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check, with Saleem Obaid having blocked an Arnautović shot with his hand. Arnautović stepped up himself and buried it low and hard into the left corner — keeper Abulaila went the wrong way. 3-1, full stop.
Two records and a "flattering" win
With that goal, veteran Arnautović became Austria's oldest World Cup scorer — and since Austria hadn't been to a World Cup since 1998, it's also his first WC goal. More importantly: it's Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years (last in 1990).
The DACH press wasn't entirely convinced, though: from a "flattering win" (Sportschau) to "mogels their way to a World Cup win" (SRF). For long spells it was only 2-1, with the third goal arriving via a stoppage-time penalty. But the table counts the result, not the beauty.
Group J after Matchday 1
- Argentina — 1 game, 3 points
- Austria — 1 game, 3 points
- Algeria — 1 game, 0 points
- Jordan — 1 game, 0 points
Austria and Argentina lead level on points — and meet head-to-head on the next matchday.
What Austria take away — and what Jordan do
The bottom line: Austria navigated the often trickiest part of a tournament — the nervy opener, with pressure and expectation — and banked three points without being at their best. That builds confidence before the Argentina blockbuster, even if Rangnick will demand more cutting edge and control after the cagey middle phase. The starting position matters: win your opener and the door to the round of 16 swings wide open — Austria are right on track.
And Jordan? The debutants can walk away with their heads high. Ali Olwan's historic goal and a half of going toe-to-toe show the Al-Nashama are no extras on this stage. Against Algeria on 22 June comes their most realistic shot at a first point.
What it means for your round
Tendency Austria — anyone who picked that was right. But the exact scoreline was a beast: Olwan's goal, an own goal and a stoppage-time penalty are not what most people had on their sheet. Games like this decide prediction rounds. And now it gets big: on 22 June comes the blockbuster Argentina – Austria (with Jordan – Algeria alongside), then Algeria – Austria on 28 June.
Argentina – Austria: how to predict the blockbuster · World Cup today: all matches & AI picks
How did Austria vs Jordan end?
Austria won their World Cup opener 3-1. It was Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years.
Who scored in the 3-1?
Romano Schmid (long-range) and Marko Arnautović (a stoppage-time handball penalty) scored for Austria, plus a Yazan Al-Arab own goal. Ali Olwan scored Jordan's equaliser — their first-ever World Cup goal.
When did Austria last win a World Cup match?
Before this 3-1, Austria's last World Cup win was 36 years ago — at the 1990 World Cup.
Where do Austria stand in Group J?
After Matchday 1 Austria share top spot with Argentina (3 points each), ahead of Algeria and Jordan (0 each). Austria play Argentina next, on 22 June.
Sources: FIFA Match Centre · ESPN · Sky Sports · Al Jazeera.
Explore more: Argentina – Austria: the blockbuster pick · Opponent analysis: Jordan deep dive · World Cup today: all matches & AI picks
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